Archinect - News

AIA's new Firm Survey Report finds emerging demographics, market trends, and room for growth nationwide

2024-11-12T18:20:00-05:00

The newly updated AIA Firm Survey Report 2024 from the American Institute of Architects has been published, revealing the dynamics at play for firms in a rapidly consolidating market and increasingly fragmented profession.

The report assesses answers from more than 1,200 firm respondents and provides insights into factors such as the flight of new projects toward the commercial and institutional sectors and a subsequent decline of involvement with new single-family and manufacturing sector designs nationwide.

Incumbent trends such as higher rates of diversity amongst the youngest employee age groups, the decline of single-discipline firms, and cascading average firm age relative to their sizes (e.g. older firms tend to be larger) remained as constants in the firm and staff profile subsection.

The financial picture for firms generally is framed by th...

ACSA releases 'Where Are My People?' survey results focused on Queer identities in the architectural field

2024-10-21T11:06:00-04:00

In the interest of elevating the voices of different marginalized groups in every corner of the design field, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), in partnership with Emergent Grounds for Design Education (EGDE), has announced the next edition of their groundbreaking research series Where Are My People? dedicated to exploring the LGBTQIA+ community’s impact on architecture.

The newly announced Where Are My People? Queer in Architecture is organized into two sections. Part I looks at the intersectionality of queer identities while unpacking data findings both quantitative and qualitative to reach a "comprehensive understanding" of the significance of representation. After that, Part II centers on contemporary theory on gender and sexuality to encourage a critical dialogue about the ways in which architecture can establish more inclusive spaces apart from the binary.

EDGE's Michelle Barrett says they will combine to help "recontextualize how and why we need a...

How construction costs are contributing to challenges for architects

2024-07-12T16:12:00-04:00

When we asked architects in our recent Archinect Business Survey about their economic outlook, one of the five big factors behind the architecture industry’s current economic slowdown mentioned most frequently by participants was high construction costs.

"Construction costs are exceeding even the most pragmatic estimate," the owner of a large Seattle-based architecture firm shared in our survey. Another small-firm owner in New York City said: "Construction costs are so high that they quickly outstrip the value of a project." "Clients are telling me that it is getting harder and harder to build and that costs show no sign of slowing down," another NYC architect working at a large firm told us.

When asked about clients' sentiments in the current economic environment, one respondent told us, "They are in a holding pattern," reflecting a common reality of uncertainty felt directly by many architecture firms.

ASLA survey finds increased demand for nature-based solutions to climate change among landscape architects

2024-05-31T08:00:00-04:00

The latest survey of landscape architects released Wednesday by the American Society of Landscape Architects includes updated information on incumbent design trends and project valuations, indicating a further shift in priorities nationwide under the looming threat of climate change.

According to the survey, significant (10% or more) increases in the demand for climate-based solutions have been recorded by at least 70% of all respondents. State and local governments are the most common source of demand in terms of clients. Stormwater management and reduced carbon emissions transportation alternatives such as walkability improvements and bicycle infrastructure make up the leading list of solutions, and almost half of those surveyed said their construction costs were more expensive than that of traditional projects.

Comparing these findings to the ASLA's 2021 survey, the most popular solutions for ecosystem degradation, extreme heat, wildfire, flooding, sea-level rise, and drought rem...

1 week left to share your experience of current architecture business conditions

2024-05-30T19:17:00-04:00

It's not too late to participate in our recently launched survey on the community’s perception of the current business conditions in architecture. The deadline to submit your anonymous responses is in 1 week.

We will analyze your valuable insights and publish the findings on Archinect in the coming weeks.

We'd love to hear from you! Thank you.

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Reminder: share your insights in our latest survey on business conditions!

2024-05-24T08:00:00-04:00

In case you missed it, we recently launched a survey to check in on the community’s feelings about the current business conditions in architecture. If you haven’t had a chance to fill it out yet, we’d love to hear from you! Your insights are invaluable in helping us gauge the current state of the industry and make meaningful improvements.

The deadline to submit your responses is in 2 weeks. We will be analyzing and publishing the results on Archinect in the coming weeks. Thank you for your time and input!

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62% of A&E firms report using artificial intelligence increased efficiency, according to new Deltek study

2024-05-10T18:28:00-04:00

Statistics revealed in the latest Deltek Clarity Architecture & Engineering Industry Study have indicated wide optimism about the use of AI technology, even as most firms struggle to determine where and how to apply emerging trends in the face of prevailing economic headwinds.

According to the 45th annual report, 62% of all 650 surveyed A&E respondents across the United States and Canada have successfully begun using AI to augment their daily operations. Only 20% of firms now report at least three-quarters of their project leadership teams as possessing the proper project management training to best utilize such tools, with another 44% reporting insufficient time to invest in skill-based learning. Other leading challenges include prioritizing applicable trends and the cost of technology.

The findings add to a body of recent valuable industry trends reporting, including last month’s Autodesk study which stated that 76% of all AEC professionals now feel confident about incorporating ...

Major uptake in artificial intelligence use across creative industries, Autodesk survey finds

2024-04-10T11:53:00-04:00

Autodesk has released a report on the state of digitization and technological adoption across creative industries. The 2024 State of Design & Make Report found that companies see artificial intelligence “as a current tool rather than a futuristic pipe dream.”

The report’s findings were derived from survey results of 5,400 industry companies and figures across architecture, engineering, construction, design, manufacturing, media, and entertainment. Among the findings was a high level of optimism, with 73% of companies believing they were prepared to handle unforeseen economic or geopolitical changes.

76% of professionals said they trust AI in their industry, with application areas including productivity and sustainability. “More than half of companies say they are approaching or have already achieved their goal of incorporating AI,” Autodesk said about the report findings. “While AI adoption is high, we still have a long way to go to maximize AI’s potential.”

Related on Archinect: Au...

RIBA's new Artificial Intelligence Report features revelatory findings about AI within architectural practice

2024-02-29T18:56:00-05:00

The newly published RIBA Artificial Intelligence Report has revealed statistics detailing the architecture industry’s turn towards AI within professional practice using findings from a recent survey of 500+ members. The study also gives clues about the technology’s future and feedback on how new software tools have impacted the design process.

According to the report, 41% of architects in the UK have begun using AI software at least occasionally, with another 43% stating their opinions that it has made the design process "more efficient."

"Our findings show architects are curious and open-minded about AI, and some of us are true pioneers," RIBA President Muyiwa Oki summarized. "By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and a culture of responsible innovation, we can harness the power of AI to create a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable built environment. There’s no turning back."

Residential business conditions weaken while remodeling remains popular, says AIA Home Design Trends Survey

2023-12-06T11:54:00-05:00

The American Institute of Architects has published its latest quarterly report on residential design in the United States. The AIA Home Design Trends Survey for Q4 2023 focused on the theme ‘neighborhood and community design,’ and revealed a desire among clients for simpler detailing on home exteriors and more windows.

Home exterior trends from the latest AIA survey. Image credit: American Institute of Architects

According to data from architects on client expectations, ‘contemporary home styles’ remain the most popular feature, mentioned by 51% of clients. ‘Simpler detailing on exteriors’ was requested by 29% of clients, and ‘front/side porches’ by 27% of clients.

On home exteriors, ‘low maintenance/durable exteriors’ was the most popular request, mentioned by 59% of clients. A focus on ‘windows (number and size) was cited by 48% of clients and ‘metal finishes’ by 35%.

Neighborhood/community trends from the latest AIA survey. Image credit: American Institute of Architects

On a neighb...

20% of landscape architects expect to see greenhouse gas emissions budgets in future projects, ASLA survey finds

2023-08-22T17:08:00-04:00

The American Institute of Landscape Architects has published the results of a members' survey on the role of landscape architecture products in aiding decarbonization and biodiversity in the built environment. Insights were garnered from 454 landscape architects, designers, and educators out of the ASLA’s member base of approximately 15,000.

A significant 55% of respondents stated that their clients do not establish a greenhouse gas emissions budget for their projects. However, 20% foresee it as a potential future requirement. When asked about the data that would assist in accounting for emissions, 51% prioritized embodied carbon factors for materials, closely followed by 50% wanting projected carbon sequestration details for tree species specification.

Regarding accessing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and emissions assessments, 55% advocated for a curated register of baseline data, possibly developed by ASLA or a similar body. When procuring from manufacturers, 34% of p...

Residential business conditions are slowing, says latest AIA Home Design Trends Survey

2023-03-31T11:44:00-04:00

The American Institute of Architects has published its latest quarterly report on residential design. The AIA Home Design Trends Survey for Q1 2023 revealed evolving trends in kitchen and bathroom design, where homeowners have moved toward electric appliances and are making decisions based on long-term value.

Popular bathroom features from the latest AIA survey. Image credit: American Institute of Architects

33% of architects responding to the survey reported an increase in the number and size of bathrooms in their design proposals. The most desirable bathroom feature from clients was larger walk-in showers which saw a 60% increase in popularity from the previous year.

Other popular features were adaptability/universal design (52%), spa-like design (44%), and more daylight and natural lighting (38%). Popular products, meanwhile, included doorless/no threshold showers (60%), and smart toilets (27%).

Popular kitchen features from the latest AIA survey. Image credit: American Institute ...

Harvard students' survey finds most architectural tasks can be done remotely

2023-03-13T08:00:00-04:00

Students from the Harvard Graduate School of Design have published the results of their survey into the question of whether architecture can be practiced remotely. Launched in November 2022, the survey received 221 responses from across the profession and has led organizers to conclude that “architects believe that the vast majority of architectural tasks can be done ‘entirely or almost entirely remotely’”.

The survey, authored by students Su In Kim, Yun Ki Cheung, and Pedro Rodríguez-Parets as part of the “Frameworks of Practice” course, was designed to reflect NCARB's structure for the ARE, specifying 36 tasks across 6 project phases to create what the organizers considered a typical workflow from project inception to completion as well as practice management. For each of the 36 tasks, the survey asked respondents to respond ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the question of whether the specific task could be done “almost entirely or entirely remotely.”

Graph via the "Can Architecture be practiced...

Gensler sets the record as the first-ever architecture firm to reach 3,000 employees globally

2023-01-23T14:45:00-05:00

Gensler has set a new record for firm size after the 2023 Building Design WA100 survey listed its total design staff at just over 3,000 for the first time in history.

After losing its founder in May of 2021, Gensler grew by 14% over the last year to breach the 3,000-employee threshold. The company now employs some 3,069 architects globally, according to the UK-based publication.

That figure makes the international giant more than twice the size of HDR, whose architectural staff was listed at 1,404 globally. Aecom, Sweco, and Japan’s Nikken Sekkei were the only other companies with totals numbering over 1,000. Perkins Eastman, which has acquired three smaller firms since the beginning of 2021, ranked behind them with 832 architects.

The survey also noted firms’ reluctance to commit to downsizing efforts in spite of the assumed recession. Overall, half of...

Billings for residential work remain strong but slower times ahead, suggests AIA Home Design Trends Survey

2022-12-20T15:29:00-05:00

The American Institute of Architects has released their latest quarterly report into residential design. The AIA Home Design Trends Survey (Q4) revealed a contraction in the demand for residential design inquiries and design contracts, despite billings for residential projects continuing to increase.

Stylistically, the survey found that ‘contemporary’ home styles continue to be the most popular among clients, with 52% of architects reporting client popularity in the style increasing. Other styles or stylistic elements that saw popularity among clients included ‘front/side porches’ (38%), ‘simpler detailing on exterior’ (23%), and ‘modern farmhouse’ (19%).

Extract from AIA Home Design Trends Survey. Image credit: American Institute of Architects

The survey results also offer an insight into the most popular client requests for external elements. 62% of architects noted a demand for ‘Low maintenance/durable exteriors’ from clients, while 40% shared a client desire for higher quantity ...

AIA releases study on student debt and its impact on demographic groups within the industry

2022-12-07T12:30:00-05:00

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has released a new study examining the impact of student debt across different demographic groups in the architecture industry.

The organization used the research company Ipsos to conduct an interview survey of over 700 members who provided insights on how everything from employment to life choices was affected by the repayment of educational loans.

AIA EVP and CEO Lakisha Ann Woods said: "This data provides critical insight into how student debt is harming the profession. Through a better understanding of how debt impacts different demographic groups among our membership, this data will help us break barriers to the profession that disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Our goal is to propel all architects to new professional heights."

Among other data, the survey found:

Nearly three-quarters (73%) of all AIA membe...

New Harvard online survey asks: Can architecture be practiced remotely?

2022-11-18T12:02:00-05:00

As the global COVID-19 pandemic approaches the end of its now third calendar year, the architecture industry is once again in a state of adjustment, seeking to find that sweet spot between various available remote, hybrid, and in-person working arrangements. Continuing shifts in technological, health, and cultural standards have forced architectural practice, as well as employment models, to adapt to the post-pandemic challenges at hand.

A new research project at the Harvard Graduate School of Design is looking to study these trends within architectural practice at a time when an increasing number of firms choose to return the office.

Led by instructor Jacob Reidel under the banner of "Frameworks of Practice," the initiative aims to "understand how architects have designed new ways of practicing in direct response to crises ranging from economic collapse to structural racism to natural disaster to global pandemic."

Through a brief online survey with simple rating questions, the st...

Survey: Nearly half of industrial workers report stress on the job

2022-10-21T14:17:00-04:00

It’s probably no surprise to those who make their career in the construction industry: Many construction workers are feeling a lot of pressure. In fact, 47% of construction worker respondents to a survey by StrongArm Technologies said they are currently stressed on the job.

The report, titled the Industrial Athlete Workforce Report, by Brooklyn-based safety technology company StrongArm Technologies surveyed more than 600 workers in construction, manufacturing, and warehouse and transport industries about their jobs. Top stressors for workers included not being paid enough, difficulty recruiting new employees, and a lack of advancement opportunities.

Additionally, about a third of workers said it’s challenging to take time off for vacation, with about the same share saying their job had negative impacts on their mental and physical health. Three key actionable takeaways were listed in the report, which include the impact workplace stress has on home life, the lack of on-job training, and the need to further prioritize worker safety.

These are the ‘Best Firms to Work For’ in 2022, according to new AEC industry survey

2022-08-08T12:50:00-04:00

The Zweig Group consultancy has returned with its annual list of 'Best Firms to Work For' in the AEC industry.

Recognized companies were selected based on their “workplace practices, employee benefits, [and] employee retention rates,” among other factors. Zweig says their employees' survey accounted for 80% of the rankings.

Three firms were added to last year's list of 11. The winning firms in the Architecture category are as follows:

The winners will be honored during the 2022 Elevate AEC Conference & Awards Gala in Las Vegas from September 14–16. This year’s full list of winners in each category can be found here.

San Francisco now tops the most expensive cities to build in the world, new survey finds

2022-07-13T18:30:00-04:00

Turner and Townsend’s latest annual International Construction Market Survey names disruptions in the global supply chain, triggered in part by lockdowns in China due to COVID-19, and rising commodity costs following the invasion of Ukraine as key stress factors for construction markets worldwide.

According to the survey, the 2022 ranking is led by these cities, including four U.S. markets among the top ten:

San Francisco ($4,728.5/sqm)
Tokyo ($4,664.8/sqm)
Osaka ($4,558.5/sqm)
New York City ($4,517.3/sqm)
Geneva ($4,332.2/sqm)
Zurich ($4,285.8/sqm)
Hong Kong ($4,236.5/sqm)
Boston ($3,998.4/sqm)
Los Angeles ($3,981.8/sqm)
London ($3,909.8/sqm)

Driven by strong demand from tech corporations, a strengthening of the U.S. dollar as well as higher material and labor costs, San Francisco moved up from its third place position last year and surpassed Tokyo and Hong Kong as the priciest market for construction with an average cost of $4,728.50 per square meter ($439.29 per square foot).

Many more No...

AIA Home Design Trends Survey shows demand for larger homes remaining strong despite shortages

2022-07-01T10:00:00-04:00

The latest data from the American Institute of Architects shows a continued increase in a homebuilding trend that began in the throes of the pandemic and has not abated in the face of supply-chain shortages and several countervailing trends in the residential construction market.

According to the AIA’s newly-released Home Design Trends Survey, interest in larger homes has grown for a second consecutive year after remaining largely stagnant for a period of five.

Extract of the AIA Home Design Trends Survey. The full survey is available here.

ADUs and micro apartment designs saw slight decreases in demand but remain popular. Other trends, including aging-in-home options for seniors, saw increases as pandemic worries and a dramatic shift in working conditions caused a spike in demand for converted features like finished basements and garage spaces. The Q2 statistics also revealed a large number of blended indoor-outdoor areas being requested as well.

Extract of the AIA Home Design Tre...

More than half of UK architects have not worked on net-zero projects in the past year

2022-04-04T13:42:00-04:00

A surprising number of new British construction projects are not in line with the country’s supposedly stringent sustainability mandates, according to a new industry poll published by the product information platform NBS.

The survey revealed that just 14% of respondents worked on projects that always had pre-set sustainability goals, although a total of 69% said they had worked on projects with such guidelines at least “some of the time.” Only 4% reported working on net-zero projects exclusively.

A total of 52% of those surveyed said the main culprit was a lack of client demand. Costs and an overall dearth of government regulation were also blamed. Paradoxically, 97% of respondents said sustainability was important to them personally.

Image from the 2022 Sustainable Futures Survey, courtesy NBS.

Christian Dimbleby, chair of the Climate Action Team for a group called Architype, told AJ he found the results to be a “depressing reading,” that “illustrates quite powerfully that the indu...

New survey reveals the usage of 3D printers among American college students

2022-02-02T13:54:00-05:00

A new study published by Primary Research Group has been released examining American college students and their use of 3D printers.

The survey looks closely at how many and which students are using 3D printers at their colleges, along with how much they are using them. The report also collected students’ opinions on the value of 3D printers and how aware they are of their availability in their academic settings. The report aims to assist college and university officials to estimate the current and future level of demand for 3D printing and the source of demand. Data was collected through a representative sample of 1,076 students attending four-year colleges in the United States.

Key findings of the survey are:

46% of students majoring in engineering, mathematics, and computer science had ever used a 3D printer, the highest of any major or range of academic fields in the sample.
Older students aged 26 to 35 were much more likely than others to find a 3D printer valuable or very valu...

Survey finds AEC firms positive about growth in 2022, expect hybrid working to continue

2022-01-19T14:55:00-05:00

AEC firms are positive about industry growth in 2022 and expect to continue employing a hybrid workforce, according to a survey by Openasset. The AEC Industry Outlook Survey of 500 architecture, engineering, and construction professionals found that 78% believe their firm will experience positive growth in 2022.

46% of respondents said their firm would employ a hybrid workforce in 2022. Almost 25% expect their company to operate with a fully remote workforce, while 19% see a full return to the office for all staff. Maintaining a hybrid workforce was the largest challenge anticipated by respondents, with 54% identifying the shift as a challenge for 2022.

Other challenges highlighted by respondents included employee retention (mentioned by 42%), meeting tight deadlines (mentioned by 49%), and winning new business (mentioned by 42%).

The survey by Openasset is the latest insight into the AEC land...

New survey reveals the pandemic's mixed impact on AEC firms

2021-12-27T14:40:00-05:00

National consulting group Appleseed Strategy has released the results of their 2021 Financial & Economic Survey, a U.S. business study of AEC firms to gauge the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector.

43 individuals and 39 companies in architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and other consulting services, ranging in size from five people to over 1,000, were asked about their current situations compared to one year ago. They provided information about their current working environments and what they predict for the future.

Salary Reductions and Restored Salaries. Charts via the 2021 Financial & Economic Survey by Appleseed Strategy.

The survey reports that nearly 77% of respondents were back to pre-pandemic staffing levels, and approximately 9% were even larger than they had been in March 2020. Nearly 53% of respondents had implemented salary cuts in at least one staff category because of the pandemic. In addition, of the firms that received PPP loans or ot...

According to EIA survey results, U.S. commercial buildings are increasing and getting larger

2021-09-22T18:14:00-04:00

The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) 2018 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) data is now available.

The CBECS is a national sample survey that collects information on the stock of U.S. commercial buildings, including their energy-related building characteristics and energy usage data. It defines commercial buildings as those in which at least half of the floorspace is used for a purpose that is not residential, industrial, or agricultural.

The survey provides building characteristics information for the estimated 5.9 million commercial buildings in the United States in 2018. The data includes the number of buildings and amounts of floorspace by characteristics including geographic region, building activity, size and age, employment and occupancy, energy sources used, and energy-related equipment.

According to the survey, the number of U.S. commercial buildings grew 6% from 2012 to 2018, and the total floorspace of commercial buildings increased ...

AIA survey shows impact of pandemic and climate on client design requests

2021-09-21T12:59:00-04:00

The AIA has released the latest edition of its Home Design Trends Survey, covering the category of “home features.” The report found that quarantines, working from home, and climate change are among the factors contributing to changing home design trends. Among the key findings from the report were an uptick in demand for outdoor living space, multiple home offices, and exercise space, and features such as solar panels, backup power generators, and hurricane-resistant design.

The demand for outdoor living spaces continues to grow, with a 70% increase in popularity compared to 2020. Home office popularity increased 69%, while a demand for multiple offices or spaces for virtual meetings increased 48%. There was also a 39% increase in demand for exercise rooms/yoga spaces. Over half of respondents noted either outdoor living spaces or home offices as being the most popular special function room demanded by clients.

Extract from the AIA Home Design Trends Survey.

The report shows a not...

Zweig Group announces list of best firms to work for in 2021

2021-08-20T17:39:00-04:00

AEC management consulting firm Zweig Group recently announced the winners of its 2021 Best Firms To Work For Awards. The program is one of six hosted by the company that together focus on architecture, engineering, planning, and environmental consulting firm achievement.

The Best Firms To Work For Awards recognizes excellent workplaces at AEC firms, evaluating them on culture, workplace practices, employee benefits, employee retention rates, professional development, and other qualities, from both management and staff perspectives. Awards were given in multiple categories based on firm size and discipline.

"This is more than a contest, it is a powerful look at what the employee experience looks like in today’s AEC firm," said Zweig Group CEO Chad Clinehens. "Firms can use this ranking and the data it yields as a powerful tool in the recruitment and retention of staff, which is the number one challenge for many AEC firms." He added: "The 2021 winners have a lot to be proud of, and ...

San Francisco, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles among the ten most expensive cities to build in the world, according to new survey

2021-08-03T19:38:00-04:00

Tokyo ranks as the most expensive city to build in the world, driven by the extensive pipeline of real estate and infrastructure projects pushing up demand for construction resources, according to the report. Following Tokyo are Hong Kong, San Francisco and New York. Boston and Los Angeles rank seventh and ninth, respectively, as both of these markets generally have high labor costs for construction.

According to Turner and Townsend’s 2021 International Construction Market Survey, the top 10 most expensive cities to build, in order, are:

Tokyo
Hong Kong
San Francisco
New York City
Geneva
Zurich
Boston
London
Los Angeles
Macau

With increased activity levels in construction markets in 2021 as the world recovers from the covid-19 pandemic, supply chain constraints are increasing and skill shortages are worsening, resulting in substantial construction cost inflation, as detailed by Turner and Townsend. International border closures have impacted the availability of imported labor, which has been detrimental to construction markets that depend on migrant workers.

Previously on Archinect: According to ABC chief economist, construction industry is rebounding despite high prices and lack of skilled labor

In addition, more than a third of respondents to the survey said the pandemic has had a high or significant impact on their supply chains. This is evident in increased material costs, such as st...

New national study reveals post-Covid campus facility trends

2021-08-03T17:52:00-04:00

In a new national study conducted by the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) and Buro Happold’s higher education consulting group, brightspot, a series of notable findings reveal the major impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on how universities and colleges are planning for new facilities.

Called the Campus Facilities Inventory (CFI), the survey is used to provide facilities benchmarking data to colleges and universities in order to better inform their planning efforts. It asks institutions to provide space data as categorized by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and Facilities Inventory and Classification Manual (FICM). It was last undertaken in 2007. In the 2021 edition, a group survey of 88 higher-education institutions across the U.S. was conducted, gathering data on their buildings, as well as recent and planned changes to their facilities. The research also details changes over the last year and plans for the next three years.

Map of institu...